JK16001Research 1~3-Seminar (KBR)(Colloquim)

Numbering Code G-LET36 7JK16 SE36 Year/Term 2022 ・ Second semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Seminar
Target Year Target Student
Language English Day/Period Tue.2
Instructor name VASUDEVA,Somdev (Graduate School of Letters Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course This class has a twofold aim. [1.] It introduces the main authors, scriptures, commentaries, and exegetical works describing the practices and theories of systems of Tantric yoga.
[2.] We will study, in English translation, selected passages defining key practices and theoretical paradigms that went on to influence other systems of meditation and yoga.
Course Goals Students will be introduced to different styles of scholarship and different methods of analysis current primarily in South Asian studies. The aim is to familiarise students with topics of ongoing debate and to provide them with tools to meaningfully engage with newly emerging literature.
Schedule and Contents Week 1 What is Tantrism? The Sources of Liberation; Ritual, Knowledge, Yoga and Observance
Week 2 The Major Initiation Lineages and their Attitude to Yoga
Week 3 The Saivasiddhanta; Dualism and the Supremacy of Ritual
Week 4 The Nondualists and the Supremacy of Knowledge
Week 5 The Antiritualist Tradition
Week 6 Tarka: The Yoga of Six Ancillaries
Week 7 The Varieties of the Subtle Body
Week 8 Kaula Yoga: Pinda, Pada, Rupa and Rupatita, The Early Development of Kundalini
Week 9 The Western Transmission of Kubjika and the Later Evolution of Kundalini Yoga
Week 10 The Dharanas of the Vijnanabhairava I
Week 11 The Dharanas of the Vijnanabhairava II
Week 12 The Rejection of Patanjali's Yoga
Week 13 The Accomodation of Patanjali's Yoga
Week 14 The Matsyendrasamhita, The Amrtasiddhi and Early Hatha Yoga
Week 15 Concluding Summary
Evaluation Methods and Policy In class, discussion and contextualization of the assigned readings (40%).One response paper to the discussions of the readings (30%). Homework (30%).
Course Requirements Regular preparation of assigned readings and participation in the group discussions.
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) The participants are expected to attend every class. The weekly readings of the short sections should take about one hour of preparation for each class.
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